William 'Bill”' J. Beirne Jr., 73

William “Bill” J. Beirne Jr., son of William J. Beirne and Winifred Westhoff Beirne, died in Whitefish at age 73, following a long struggle with dementia. 

A native Houstonian, Bill’s discipline and perseverance led him to early honors including achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a proud graduate of St. Thomas High School, where he became a National Merit finalist, and of Rice University, where he completed a five-year degree in chemical engineering.

Upon graduation, Bill joined Humble Oil (later Exxon and ExxonMobil) where he had a 40-year career in both domestic and international upstream operations. In the course of some dozen relocations to spots in and around the U.S. and the world, Bill had several interesting, and sometimes nerve wracking experiences, including working with a grandson of the King of Thailand, being kidnapped in Yemen, and surviving an emergency landing after a catastrophic equipment failure in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bill was a loyal and tireless leader who, with his strength, calm demeanor and willingness to listen, earned the respect of his employees and peers across the globe.

Bill, a gentle man, was a lover of life. He enjoyed traveling across the seven continents, was an avid reader, and appreciated history, art and fine wine. He was a loyal Houston Astros fan no matter the success of any given season. But more than travel or sports, Bill loved and appreciated his family, his many culturally diverse friends, his several four-legged companions, and the time he shared with all of them. His kindness and his wonderful, sly wit will be missed by many.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Marina Bringhurst Beirne. He is also survived by daughters, Kathleen Beirne Guckenberger and Dianne Beirne Rose; sons, Michael Patrick Beirne and Todd H. Wright; five grandchildren; sister, Judy Glueck; and brothers. Jim Beirne and John Beirne.  

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 100 Adopt a Pet Way, U.S. Hwy. 93, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, 2236 U.S. 2, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Marina would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth White, Dr. Kurt Lindsay, Dr. Courtney Austin and Pat Zinke and her wonderful staff at Hidden Meadow Memory Care.